less interesting than

USAGE SUMMARY

'less interesting than' is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare something to another thing in terms of being interesting. For example, "The new video game is less interesting than the older one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is, unfortunately, less interesting than Toto.

The New Yorker

It's all less interesting than it sounds.

The Guardian - Film

Reassuring, though possibly less interesting than lions".

The Guardian - Opinion

Why may be less interesting than how.

The New York Times

It was always less interesting than the store's unique demographics.

The New York Times

For Wills, the nobility is less interesting than the cynicism.

The New Yorker

The music is less interesting than the cover art.

The New Yorker

But it's a lot less interesting than a time machine.

MIT Technology Review

The argument is less interesting than paint drying.

The Guardian - Opinion

His exegesis is no less interesting than his original sermon.

The Economist

But the particulars are less interesting than the fusion itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less interesting than" to objectively compare the appeal of two or more subjects. Ensure the comparison is clear and the basis for comparison is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "less interesting than" when the comparison is purely subjective and lacks a clear, shared standard. Clarify why something is less interesting to provide context and justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less interesting than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to qualify a noun by indicating a lower degree of interest relative to another noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common and grammatically correct construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less interesting than" is a grammatically correct and widely used comparative expression. It serves to subjectively evaluate the relative appeal of two subjects, highlighting their differences in perceived intrigue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, as shown in the examples. While alternatives like "less appealing than" or "not as captivating as" exist, "less interesting than" remains a clear and direct way to express comparative interest across various registers. It is important to ensure comparisons are clear and have a justifiable basis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less appealing than

Focuses on a reduced sense of attraction or desirability.

not as captivating as

Emphasizes a lack of captivation compared to something else.

not as stimulating as

Highlights a reduced level of mental or sensory invigoration.

not quite as engaging as

Indicates a lower degree of involvement or participation.

lacks the allure of

Emphasizes the absence of charm or seductiveness.

paler in comparison to

Highlights the weaker impact or appeal when contrasted.

pales in significance to

Highlights that something is not as important or impressive.

duller than

Suggests a lack of excitement or vibrancy.

is overshadowed by

Something is so prominent that it makes something else seem less significant.

falls short of

Indicates a failure to reach a certain standard of intrigue.

FAQs

How do I use "less interesting than" in a sentence?

Use "less interesting than" to compare two subjects, indicating that one holds less appeal or intrigue compared to the other. For example, "This plot twist is "less interesting than" the previous one."

What can I say instead of "less interesting than"?

You can use alternatives like "less appealing than", "not as captivating as", or "duller than" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not more interesting than" instead of "less interesting than"?

While grammatically correct, "not more interesting than" can sometimes sound awkward. "Less interesting than" is generally a more direct and clearer way to express the comparison.

What's the difference between "less interesting than" and "uninteresting"?

"Less interesting than" implies a comparison between two things, while "uninteresting" describes something that lacks appeal in itself, without needing a direct comparison.